Gladiators slay dragons

PUBLISHED: 10:14 13 November 2008 | UPDATED: 13:43 06 May 2010

Chiltern Junior Rugby League New Greens Gladiators 34 Adeyfield Dragons 14 NEW Greens Gladiators came out on top in what was a very physical, free-flowing game of rugby league against the Adeyfield Dragons from Hemel Hempstead. The Gladiators opened up th

NEW Greens Gladiators came out on top in what was a very physical, free-flowing game of rugby league against the Adeyfield Dragons from Hemel Hempstead.

The Gladiators opened up the scoring through hard-running forward Adam Sherwood-Pierce but then went to sleep for the next 10 minutes and allowed the Dragons to score two quick tries.

The Gladiators started to respond with some ferocious defence from Aaron Grieg, Luke Fiacca and James Boggis which allowed some inroads for their attack and they posted three more tries before half time to regain the lead.

During the break, the half-time pep talk got the boys focused and in the second half they really punished the Dragons forwards with some tremendous 'ball and all' tackles, with Aaron Grieg outstanding again. Dan Hedison, James Boggis, Raj Rayat and Nathan Rich also got onto the scoresheet to put the result out of reach for the Dragons.

St Albans development officer Shane Rampling said: "I am overjoyed with how the boys continue to develop as rugby league players, especially with their team play. Twelve months ago these boys were playing one out rugby, now they're playing as a team, scoring fantastic tries and producing some real physical tackles. They are now beating more experienced, fancied opposition regularly.

"Credit must go to their coaches and St Albans Centurions first-team players who have given up there time to help develop these kids.